North Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Jill Clark Named Alamogordo Public Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — Jill Clark, who teaches kindergarten at North Elementary School, has been selected as the 2026 Alamogordo Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

The district announced the honor Thursday as part of the reinstatement of its Teacher of the Year program after several years. Clark was chosen from among 14 campus Teachers of the Year, with one honoree from each school across the district.

Superintendent Michael Crabtree called the return of the program a positive step for recognizing the vital role teachers play.

“Bringing back the Teacher of the Year program has been a wonderful opportunity for our district,” Crabtree said. “Our teachers are the heart of our schools, and we value the incredible work they do to inspire, support, and educate our students. We are excited to recognize these outstanding educators and celebrate the difference they make in the lives of children across Alamogordo Public Schools.”

Clark, who has 12 years of experience as a formal classroom teacher, shared her appreciation for the recognition and for her colleagues.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected as Teacher of the Year for the Alamogordo Public Schools,” Clark said. “I work alongside so many dedicated educators and am humbled to be able to represent my school and the district.”

Before joining the public school system, Clark spent 17 years homeschooling her children while her husband served in the United States Air Force. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2017. Clark began her career with Alamogordo Public Schools in 2019 as a Pre-K teacher at Stepping Stones Preschool. She earned a Master of Education in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2022 and transferred to North Elementary in 2023, where she teaches kindergarten. In January 2026, she achieved her Level 3 teaching license.

Clark finds the greatest reward in watching her students develop.

“What I love most about being a teacher is seeing the joy on students’ faces as they learn something new and seeing them blossom throughout the year,” Clark said. “I believe every child can succeed to their fullest potential when they feel safe, supported, and are actively engaged in their own learning.”

As the district’s Teacher of the Year, Clark has been nominated to represent Alamogordo Public Schools in the New Mexico Teacher of the Year selection process administered by the New Mexico Public Education Department.

The district also honored the full slate of 14 campus Teachers of the Year, each selected by peers and their school communities for dedication, professionalism, and commitment to student success.

“Each of our campus honorees exemplifies excellence in education,” Crabtree said. “Their passion, creativity, and commitment to students help make Alamogordo Public Schools a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. We are grateful for all they do.”

2026 Alamogordo Public Schools Campus Teachers of the Year

• Joyce Amaya, Stepping Stones Pre-K

• Sonya Wier, Buena Vista Elementary School

• Michelle Moore, Desert Star Elementary School

• Cynthia Bills, High Rolls Mountain Park Elementary School

• Nicholas Goodier, Holloman Elementary School

• Maria Reyes-Gomez, La Luz Elementary School

• Jill Clark, North Elementary School

• Sandy Lawrence, Sierra Elementary School

• Rachelle Hart-Montalvo, Sunset Hills Elementary School

• Sasha Rodriguez, Yucca Elementary School

• Eric Wright, Chaparral Middle School

• Kacie Anderson, Holloman Middle School

• Rudy Barbosa, Mountain View Middle School

• Colleen Teske, Alamogordo High School

Alamogordo Public Schools congratulates Mrs. Clark and all 14 campus honorees for their outstanding contributions to students, schools, and the broader community.

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